CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION

Diffuser play a vital role in many fluid machines to convert kinetic energy to
pressure energy. The efficiency of this conversion process is important as it
affects the overall performance of the machine. The pressure recovery, which is
the measure of performance of diffusers, depends on many geometrical and
dynamical parameters.
Some geometrical parameters that govern the performance of the diffusers are
inlet length and size of the duct, area ratio of the diffuser, angle of expansion,
length of the diffuser, shape of the exit duct with free or submerged discharge
conditions, etc. The dynamical parameters are inlet velocity profile, boundary
layer parameters, Reynolds number, Mach number and so on. In the present
work, coefficient of pressure of the diffuser were selected in order to study their
effects on the performance of the conical diffuser. For this condition, uniform
flow of different velocities along the diffuser can be considered. The conical
diffuser of half cone angle 7o can be investigated in this process.

1.1 Diffusers
The use of diffusers in fluid mechanic applications has had a great impact on the
overall performance of systems. Diffusers are typically designed with an area
increase along the flow direction with the purpose of decreasing the exit velocity,
thereby recovering pressure and decreasing total pressure losses throughout the
system. Diffuser use is a common practice in many applications including HVAC
systems, many types of aircraft engines, and wind tunnels.
The earliest known use for diffusers dates back to the Roman aqueducts in 100
A.D. Water supply systems were constant area pipes until it was discovered that
an increased flow rate could be created using a flared exit pipe (White, 1986).
Previous research by Mehta and Bradshaw (1979) has shown that the exit area to
the entrance area ratio and diffuser angles are the main factors affecting the
performance of flow through diffusers. This research provides design parameters
to follow when designing a diffuser. Additional design factors affecting the
performance of diffusers were determined to be the inlet conditions, screen
positioning, wall shape, screen shape, and cross sectional shape. Conical
diffusers were tested for incompressible flows by McDonald and Fox (1965).
Their results indicate that the diffuser performance is a function of the Reynolds

1
number. However, they also stated that once the Reynolds number exceeds
75,000; the pressure recovery, diffuser effectiveness, and flow regime become
independent of the Reynolds number. In addition to the Reynolds number,
McDonald and Fox state the maximum effectiveness for conical diffusers does
not align with the maximum effectiveness from plane-walled diffusers. The
conical diffuser can be designed for maximum pressure recovery while
maintaining a non-separated flow inside the diffuser (McDonald and Fox, 1965).
Shuja and Habib (1995) tested the effects and improvements gained by using
axisymmetric annular diffusers on heat transfer, showing a large improvement
with a decrease of the average convective heat transfer coefficient in the separated
flow regions. Annular diffusers were tested for experimental performance in
cases with struts and without struts for gas turbines. Ubertini and Desideri (2000)
showed a 10–15% lower efficiency for the model with truncated struts in the duct,
which largely reduced the overall efficiency of the system. . Figure 1 shows the
diffuser model used in the research by Ubertini and Desideri (2000), and the
location of the struts within the diffuser.

Figure 1.1 - Diffuser Model for Ubertini and Desideri diffuser analysis
(Ubertini and Desideri, 2000)

The pressure recovery was largely improved for diffusers with un-truncated
struts in the duct region. Overall their experiments demonstrate that
presence of struts increase the overall losses in a diffuser. Norris and Smith
(1998) showed that in S-shaped diffusers a 28% efficiency reduction was
observed. A significant rise in the pressure loss coefficient due to regions
with large separation bubbles is observed when struts are present in the
diffuser duct. The focus of this thesis is on determining the effectiveness
of different subsonic diffusers on the overall performance of wind tunnels.

2
Figure 1.2 – Subsonic Diffuser geometries with straight centerline
(Farokhi, 2009)

The pressure recovery coefficient, Cp, is a significant factor in relation to

diffuser performance. Using Bernoulli’s equation the value for Cp can be
defined as:

(1.1.1)

(1.1.2)

where Po is total pressure, P is static pressure, ρ is air density, and V is

velocity. A higher value for the pressure recovery coefficient indicates
better diffuser performance. The ideal diffuser would have a C p value
equal 1. Many factors impact the value of Cp and effects the performance
of the diffuser, and some of these factors are listed in Table 1.

3
 Table 1.1 – Performance factor of Diffusers (White, 1980)
Area Ratio AR = A1/A2
Divergence Angle 2θ
Slenderness L/D
Inlet Reynolds Number Re1 = V1W1/υ
Inlet Mach Number Mq1 = V1/a1
Inlet Boundary Layer Blockage B1 = ABL/A1
Factor
Aspect Ratio AS = b/W1

The predominant performance factors impacting the diffusers are: area

ratio, divergence angle, and boundary-layer blockage factor. Boundary-
layer blockage factor is defined as the area of the boundary layer divided
by the area of the diffuser inlet. Lengths and angles used to define the
performance factors are illustrated in Figure 3.

b2

Figure 1.3 - Diffuser Schematic with performance factors (White, 1980).

Flow separation impacts diffuser performance highly. This is due in part

to the increased pressure drag at the wall where the flow separation occurs.
Flow patterns in diffusers were very unpredictable until 1955, until Kline
demonstrated flow patterns using flow visualization. Flat-walled diffuser
stability map is shown in Figure 4.

4
 Figure 1.4 – Flat-Walled-Diffuser Stability Map (Kline, 1955)

This map shows the importance of both the divergence angle and diffuser
length versus the width of the diffuser. In addition to the pressure
recovery coefficient, another way to determine the efficiency of a diffuser
is to evaluate the pressure head losses throughout the tunnel. Head loss
coefficient gives a relative value to the power loss from the inlet of the
diffuser to the exit (Farokhi, 2009). The head loss coefficient can be
defined as:

(1.1.3)

1.2 Supersonic wind tunnel

A supersonic wind tunnel is a wind tunnel that produces supersonic speeds

(1.2<M<5) The Mach number and flow are determined by the nozzle
geometry. The Reynolds number is varied by changing the density level
(pressure in the settling chamber). Therefore, a high pressure ratio is
required (for a supersonic regime at M=4, this ratio is of the order of 10).
Apart from that, condensation of moisture or even gas liquefaction can
occur if the static temperature becomes cold enough. This means that a
supersonic wind tunnel usually needs a drying or a pre-heating facility. A

5
supersonic wind tunnel has a large power demand, so most are designed
for intermittent instead of continuous operation.

The experiments were conducted in a compressor driven, high-speed wind

tunnel setup. The line sketch of the wind tunnel is shown in figure. The
wind tunnel facility consists of settling chamber and nozzle. The flow
velocity and the mass flow rate at the exit of the wind tunnel could be
altered by throttle control. The pressure of 2 bar can be maintained in the
pressure chamber of the wind tunnel. And the velocity of 35 m/s can be
achieved by adjusting the pressure in the tunnel.

Figure 1.5 Photographic view of supersonic wind tunnel facility

A multi-tube manometer with a common reservoir that may be used to

give a graphic display of pressure distribution on multi-point pressure
tapings.

The device allows up to 16 pressures to be monitored simultaneously

either relative to atmospheric pressure or another pressure, via the
common reservoir. In order to increase the device sensitivity the device
may be inclined at a known angle

1.3 Objectives

The present work is mainly concerned with the experimental study of the
flow and variation of pressure along conical diffusers with steady, uniform
flow and without any flow at the entry of the diffuser. The aim of this
project was to study the design and analysis of the conical diffuser without
any inlet distortions. The CFD methodology was followed for the analysis
6
of the design. First, the design of an axisymmetric conical diffuser was
studied and its CFD simulation was performed.

Second, a detailed computational study of the design and analysis of the

conical diffuser was carried out. A CATIA geometry of the conical
geometry was created and its flow field was studied using a CFD
methodology.

 The organization of this project is as follows:

Literature survey of conical diffuser with inlet distortions is

presented in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 covers the design methodology
of the conical diffuser and geometry generation using CATIA and
includes mesh generation. Chapter 5 covers the CFD simulation of
a wide angle conical diffuser without any inlet distortions in an
uniform flow . Chapter 6 covers results and graph and Chapter 7
and 8 summarizes the key findings of this work and
recommendations for future study.

7
 CHAPTER 2
2. LITERATURE SURVEY

1. Hemalatha Arumugam (2017) designed a wide angle conical diffuser with

swirl type velocity distortions at inlet at the Anna University, Chennai. Swirling
inlet flow is an important practical case of inlet flow distortions. This work is
mainly concerned with the experimental study of the flow and boundary layer
development in conical diffusers with the steady, uniform flow and moderate
swirl type distorted flow at the entry of the diffuser. And the experiment were
performed in a low speed open circuit wind tunnel. There are two diffusers
having a cone angle 14o (with area ratio 3.0) and 20o (with area ratio 4.2) were
used and flow parameters have been measured using DANTEC DYNAMICS
make constant temperature hot-wire anemometer. The results showed that the
moderate the swirl can significantly improve the stalled diffuser (20o cone angle)
performance; however, it has a little effect on the diffuser (14o cone angle) having
incipient turbulent boundary layer separation. It was confirmed that the
introduction of moderate swirl reduces of flow separation in wide angle conical
diffusers.

2. Devon Craig Miller (2015) analysed a diffuser performance for the subsonic
aerodynamic research laboratory wind tunnel. This research is driven by the
desire to improve efficiency of the Subsonic Aerodynamic Research Laboratory
(SARL) at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. Previous research
indicates a 30% loss of pressure occurring at the exit of the tunnel. A 60:1 scaled
model of the SARL tunnel and four different diffuser geometries were tested to
determine the most efficient diffuser for reducing overall losses. Experimental
results were compared against computational simulation analysis results obtained
using the same diffuser models by King (2012) to validate the computational
results. Both the experimental and CFD results show that the “3.5 Base + Flat +
Conical” diffuser results in the least total pressure loss throughout the system.
The experimental results indicate a 37% percent reduction in the total pressure
losses while the CFD results gave a 45% reduction in the total pressure losses in
comparison to the pressure losses measured for the existing “7.5 base” diffuser
on the small scale. Implementing this diffuser model could improve the overall
efficiency of the full scale SARL tunnel by 11%

8
3. N.V. Mahalakshmi, S. Sandhya, G. Kirithiga (2007) done an Experimental
investigations of flow through the conical diffuser with and without wake type
velocity distortions at inlet. This paper discuss the results of flow through straight
conical diffusers of half cone angle 5o and 7o with steady uniform velocity of flow
and wake type distorted flow at inlet. The wake type distortion at inlet was
produced by a streamlined body and a bluff body. A low speed wind tunnel was
used for the experiments and the diffusers were fabricated from cast aluminium
blocks. The mean velocity and the turbulence parameters were measured using a
constant temperature hot-wire anemometer. The presence of centre bodies ahead
of the diffuser inlet produces wake-type central velocity distortion along with the
boundary layer type of distortion near the walls. The presence of wake at the inlet
causes a streamline curvature in the central core of the diffuser and greatly affects
its performance. And it can be concluded that for the 5o diffuser, there is a
marginal increase in pressure recovery with the presence of center bodies.
However, for the 7o diffuser, in the case of the streamline body, the wake has
actually grown under adverse pressure gradient conditions since the wake is thin.
In the case of the bluff body, the wake decay rate is arrested due to the interaction
between boundary layer and wake.

4. Meiriele A. Alvarenga and Claudia R. Andrade (2018) analysed a

Compressible subsonic flow in gas turbine annular diffuser. This work focuses
on a numerical study of compressible subsonic flow in gas turbine annular
diffusers. A diffuser is a diverging passage in which the flow is decelerated and
the reduction in velocity head is converted to a rise in static pressure. Usually, for
aircraft engines, and also many industrial engines, the length is a crucial
restriction, resulting that diffuser shape should be the shortest possible distance.
However, with an increase in divergence angle, stall losses arising from
boundary-layer separation become more significant and the pressure recovery
coefficient is affected. Hence, it is important to study the divergence angle as a
function of the airflow behaviour. In the numerical solution, mass, momentum
and energy equations are discretized and solved employing the finite volume
method, and the turbulence effects are taken into account using the realizable k-
model with an enhanced wall treatment. Results showed that the annular diffuser
performance is insensitive to Mach number for the divergence angle equal to 9°.
On the other hand, the pressure recovery coefficient elevates as the Mach number
increases for the divergence angle equal to 6°. The opposite phenomenon

9
occurred for 12° diffuser due to the intense recirculation zones as the divergence
angle increases.
5. Dominic Xavier Fernando, Sivaranjan, designed and analysed a second throat
diffuser system at different back pressure for high altitude test. The performance
of a diffuser at various back pressures is analysed in this paper. The diffuser is
used along with one or more ejectors for High Altitude Testing (HAT). A second
throat ejector diffuser system (STED) is employed to simulate ambient vacuum
conditions at high altitudes, at sea level. During ground tests the flow in divergent
section of the nozzle tends to separate. With the help of the diffuser-ejector
system low vacuum level is maintained throughout the test time and is useful to
create flow across the entire nozzle. The Shock waves in the diffuser help in
maintaining the desired vacuum level. High Area Ratio (A.R. > 100) supersonic
nozzle is used for Attitude and Orbital Control of a satellite in space. A High Area
Ratio nozzle (A.R. = 114) is designed and modeled along with a diffuser. The
flow variations at different back pressure values and different diffuser designs are
examined using CFD.

10
 CHAPTER 3
DESIGN OF WIDE ANGLE CONICAL DIFFUSER

3.1 Conical diffuser

Conical diffuser having a half cone angle (Ф) of 7o (Area ratio -3.0) have been
selected for the present investigations. The half cone angle and area ratio are
sufficient to cause separated flow without any inlet velocity distortions. The 14 o
cone angle diffuser is machined from a steel cylinder, which gives a smooth
divergence section. The geometric details of the 14o conical diffuser are shown
in figure. The conical diffuser inlet section is connected with a pipe of 100mm
internal diameter and a length of 300mm. The conical diffuser exit is connected
with a tailpipe of length 300mm.

Figure 3.1 Location of measuring sections

Stations A B C D E F G H I
X(mm) 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270
X/L 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

Table 3.1 Measuring stations

3.2 Inlet and Outlet pipe

The conical diffuser inlet section is connected with a pipe of 100mm internal
diameter and a length of 300mm. The conical diffuser exit is connected with a
tailpipe of length 300mm.

11
 Figure 3.2 Schematic view of illustration of conical diffuser

3.3 operation of conical diffuser

The diffusers and exit pipes were fabricated by casting out of steel blocks and
then machined to the desired size in a low speed lathe. Nine measurement
stations, including the inlet, designated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I are
established along the conical diffuser. Annular diffusers are encountered at the
compressor discharge where it gets "dumped" into the gas turbine combustor. The
problem with diffusing flow is that if the diffusion happens too abruptly there will
be aerodynamic losses caused by an adverse pressure gradient. Therefore, with
an increase in divergence angle, stall losses arising from boundary-layer
separation become more significant. Usually, for aircraft engines, and also many
industrial engines, the length is a crucial restriction, resulting that diffuser shape
should be the shortest possible distance

Reynolds number (UD / ʋ) 225000

Mean velocity, U (m/s) 35
Kinematic viscosity, ʋ (m2/s) 1.59 × 10-05
Density, ρ (kg/m3) 1.166

Table 3.2 Mean flow parameters at reference section

12
Flow parameters were measured nine stations across the axis of the diffuser. The
measurement stations were designated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. The
distance between the measuring stations from the inlet of the diffuser is given in
the table. The reference station for flow measurements is located in the inlet pipe
at X = -30 mm. Mean flow parameters of the reference station are listed in the
table.

3.4 Reference pressure measurement

The reference station for flow measurements is located in the inlet pipe at X = -
30mm. And the Pitot - static tube is used to measure reference velocity at the
inlet. The pressure chamber of supersonic wind tunnel can adjusted according to
the velocity at the diffuser inlet.

Velocity at inlet (m/s) Respective pressure at Respective pressure at

the wind tunnel (N/m2) the wind tunnel (psi)
25 382.81 0.0555
30 551.25 0.0799
35 750.31 0.108

Table 3.3 Reference pressure measurement for inlet velocity

13
 CHAPTER 4
4. MODELING

4.1 Geometry generation

The study methodology is based on analysing the flow of the wide angle conical
diffuser in the supersonic wind tunnel. The study is entirely based on
computational simulation and validations were carried out using literature data
[4]. The CAD models and the computational domains for simulations were
generated using CATIA V5 modelling software. The meshes for the simulations
were generated in the ANSYS19.2 software. The solver used to carry out the
simulations was ANSYS FLUENT and the results were obtained in ANSYS
FLUENTs CFD Post

Figure 4.1 Schematic view of conical diffuser

Numerical simulations have been carried out employing the Ansys Fluent 19.2
Package based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The SIMPLE algorithm
was utilized as a strategy for the velocity-pressure coupling with a coupled
formulation. The numerical scheme was evaluated using second order
discretization for the advective terms and pressure field. A successive grid
refinement study has been performed using predominantly quadrilateral
elements. All simulations were carried out until the maximum residuals of all
variables reached a value of 10-5.

14
4.2 Mesh generation
Mesh generation is a very important part of the CFD process. The fineness or
coarseness of a grid determines the accuracy of solution as well as rate of
convergence. The finer the grid, the more accurate the result, however the
computational time increases significantly with a finer grid. There is a variety of
meshing methods available including Cartesian, structured, unstructured, and
hybrid grids. These different types of grids give different results. For this study
an unstructured tetrahedral mesh was used.

Figure 4.2 Schematic view of meshed conical diffuser in the ANSYS Fluent

4.3 Flow solving

The CFD solver used was ANSYS 19.2 Fluent, which gives fairly accurate
results for high speed compressible flow when used correctly. The problem with
CFD is that it can be a great benefit in understanding flow motion; however it can
represent a real lack of information if used inadequately, giving appealing
pictures but wrong answers.
Using CFD requires knowledge and experience of its user. If not, it will lead to
incorrect results and poor accuracy in flow visualization. This is why setting up
the solution is so important. Boundary conditions, as well as flow conditions and
properties must be established correctly in order to obtain the best results
possible.

15
 CHAPTER 5
5. FABRICATION AND CFD ANALYSIS

5.1 COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

Computational fluid dynamics usually abbreviated as CFD is the analysis of

systems involving fluid flow, heat transfer and associated phenomena such as
chemical reactions by means of computer- based simulation. The technique is
very powerful and spans a wide range of industrial and non-industrial application
areas. Some examples are Aerodynamics of aircraft and vehicles (lift and drag).
Power plant (combustion in internal combustion engines and gas turbines). Turbo
machinery (flows inside rotating passages), diffusers etc.
Codes are structured around the numerical algorithms that can tackle fluid flow
problems. The ANSYS Fluent version 19.2 flow solver was used for all the CFD
simulations. Hence all codes contain three main parameters -processor,
Solver, Post-processor.

Figure 5.1 Schematic view of analysing conical diffuser in CFD

16
The code features the solver algorithms that solve for the governing differential
equations pertaining to certain boundary conditions. The solving algorithm in the
problem used was finite volume cell-centred scheme for 3D tetrahedral
unstructured mesh. The criteria for convergence is based upon the reduction of
error residuals evaluated for the governing differential equations at least by 4
orders of magnitude, that is, to reach at least 10-4 in the convergence monitor in
Fluent solver.

5.2 Fabrication
The diffuser having a half cone angle (Ф) of 7o have been selected for the present
investigations. These half cone angles and area ratio are sufficient to cause
separated flow without any inlet velocity distortions. The 140 cone angle diffuser
is machine from a solid steel cylinder, which gives a smooth divergent section.
The geometric details of the 140 conical diffuser are shown in figure. The conical
diffuser inlet section is connected with a pipe of 100mm internal diameter and a
length of 300mm. The conical diffuser exit is connected with a tailpipe of length
300mm.

Figure 5.2 Photographic view of wide angle conical diffuser

17
Flow parameters were measured nine stations across the axis of the diffuser. The
measurement stations were designated as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. The
distance between the measuring stations form the inlet of the diffuser is given in
the table. The reference station for the flow measurements is located in the inlet
pipe at X = -30mm.

Figure 5.3 Photographic view of pressure ports in the conical diffuser

The reference station for flow measurements is located in the inlet pipe at X = -
30mm. And the Pitot - static tube is used to measure reference velocity at the
inlet. The pressure chamber of supersonic wind tunnel can adjusted according to
the velocity at the diffuser inlet.

18
 CHAPTER 6
6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

6.1 Performance

Generally, the diffuser performance is stated by a pressure recovery coefficient

(Cp). It indicates the diffuser ability of the diffuser to convert kinetic energy into
pressure energy. The Pressure recovery coefficient can be calculated as

Where Po is the average static pressure at each stations, P is the atmospheric

pressure and qx is the dynamic head of the respective station. The static pressure
at each station is measured using pitot static tube with digital manometer read
out, traversing probe at an interval of 4mm. The measurement of static pressure
are made relative to the atmospheric pressure exposing one of the leads of the
manometer to the atmosphere.

6.2 Computational Results

In Computational Fluid Dynamics problem, we need to specified boundary

conditions. Boundary conditions are essential component of a mathematical
model. They direct the motion of flow which leads to a unique solution. The
standard boundary conditions such as inlet, outlet, wall, symmetry are used to
solve the problems.
The pressure-based boundary conditions were used in the CFD analysis. The
boundary conditions were pressure-inlet at the flow boundary, axis along the
centre line, pressure far field along the outer free stream boundary and pressure
outlet at the exit. The atmospheric pressure can be selected for the inlet and the
velocity was taken as 35 m/s.

19
6.3 Contour of conical diffuser

The model has been successfully meshed in CFD. The pressure and Mach no
contour are shown in figure. The contours of pressure over a conical diffuser are
symmetrical for above and below sections.
The CFD simulation of the current three-stream separate flow axisymmetric plug
nozzle serves as a validation of the ANSYS Fluent flow solver. CFD results are
compared with the experimental data of reference base conical diffuser. In the
turbulent jet class of flows, flow variables along the centre line (axis) of the jet
are of prime interest.
This information gives an idea about the jet characteristics such as shear layers
and the potential core. It also helps in the understanding of the jet spreading. The
turbulent kinetic energy distribution gives an idea about the extent of mixing
between the three flow streams.
Hence, the computational results are presented as contours and centreline
profiles of the axial velocity. In general, a small recirculation zone occurs along
the plume axis at the external plug blunt trailing edge.
The experimental conditions corresponded to the take-off conditions. The
pressure-based boundary conditions were used in the CFD analysis.

Figure 6.1 Velocity variation of the axisymmetric wide angle conical diffuser

20
 Figure 6.2 Static pressure flow over the symmetry body

Figure 6.3 Turbulent kinetic energy over the symmetric body

Figure 6.4 Static pressure at wall full body

21
The graph shows that the nominal exit velocity which is roughly characterized by
the relatively far centre line velocity, is the highest for conical diffuser.
Another detail to be noted, is that, the centre line velocities close to the exit plane
are of smaller magnitude and reversed trend. This could be explained by the fact
that the recirculation region’s flow characteristics are different for different
diffuser configurations. Hence the trend reversal near the exit plane is of interest
for studying the recirculation characteristics, which is out of scope of the study.
The velocity can decreased over the cross section of the conical diffuser in the
CFD methodology.

Figure 6.4 Graph of convergence of static pressure over symmetric body

Figure 6.5 Graph of static pressure over symmetric body

22
 Figure 6.6 Graph of velocity over symmetric body

6.4 Experimental results

The experiment were conducted in a compressor driven, supersonic wind tunnel

setup. The wind tunnel facility consists of compressor, pressure chamber, settling
chamber, bell-mouthed nozzle. The flow velocity and the mass flow rate at the
exit of the wind tunnel could be altered by throttle control.
The present measurements were carried out using a manometer connected with
the wind tunnel. The pressure probes are connected with the manometer through
transparent tube. And the variation in pressure points can be shown in the table

Pressure port Distance Pressure at Pressure at Pressure at

across the 25m/s 30m/s 35m/s
diffuser (Pascal) (Pascal) (Pascal)
(mm)
A 30 101746.83 101903.79 102168.6
B 60 101599.68 101766.45 102109.8
C 90 101521.2 101619.3 101913.6
D 120 101472.15 101540.82 101717.4
E 150 101423.1 101491.77 101570.25
F 180 101393.67 101462.34 101521.2
G 210 101364.24 101423.1 101491.77
H 240 101364.24 101423.1 101472.15
I 270 101344.62 101354.43 101423.1

Table 6.1 Pressure variation across the conical diffuser

23
Generally, the diffuser performance is stated by a pressure recovery coefficient
(Cp). It indicates the diffuser ability of the diffuser to convert kinetic energy into
pressure energy

Pressure X/L Cp at 25 m/s Cp at 30 m/s Cp at 35 m/s

points
A 0.1 0.0013 0.0013 0.0014
B 0.2 0.00088 0.00098 0.0013
C 0.3 0.00063 0.00065 0.00098
D 0.4 0.00047 0.00048 0.00064
E 0.5 0.00031 0.00037 0.00040
F 0.6 0.00022 0.00031 0.00032
G 0.7 0.00013 0.00022 0.00027
H 0.8 0.00013 0.00022 0.00024
I 0.9 0.000063 0.000065 0.00016

Table 6.2 Coefficient of pressure for different velocity through the wide angle
conical diffuser

Cp at 25 m/s
0.0014

0.0012

0.001

0.0008

0.0006 Cp at 25 m/s

0.0004

0.0002

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Figure 6.7 Graphical view of coefficient of pressure across the length of the
conical diffuser

24
 Cp at 30 m/s

0.0014

0.0012

0.001

0.0008
Cp at 30 m/s
0.0006

0.0004

0.0002

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Graph 6.2 Coefficient of pressure across the length of the conical diffuser

Cp at 35 m/s
0.0016

0.0014

0.0012

0.001

0.0008
Cp at 35 m/s
0.0006

0.0004

0.0002

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Figure 6.3 Coefficient of pressure across the length of the conical diffuser

25
Above three graphs can be compared within single graphical view shown in the
figure 6.4

0.0016

0.0014

0.0012

0.001
Cp at 25 m/s
0.0008
Cp at 30 m/s
0.0006 Cp at 35 m/s
0.0004

0.0002

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Figure 6.4 Graphical view of different coefficient of pressure across the conical
diffuser

26
 CONCLUSION 7

The present experimental investigations of wide angle conical diffusers with

uniform flow led to the conclusion that In addition, pressure distributions could
be measured at both the inlet and exit of the diffuser to show a better analysis of
head losses through the entire diffuser.
ANSYS Fluent tool, used for the analyses, proved to be versatile in enumerating
the solutions to the flow problem one would be interested in. For the convergence
criteria, grid size used and the 6 governing equations solved, the average number
of iterative steps was around 400 to 1000 and consumed, on an average, 15h to
24h for each case. The voluminous consumption of time could be minimized by
the use of high performance computing processes and algorithms such as parallel
computing and GPU enforced computing. As the analysis involved reasonably
fine 3D unstructured tetrahedral grids, possibilities for inaccurate solutions are
inevitable because the required fineness of the grid could not be determined
unless a grid convergence study is conducted. Hence the results that were
obtained pertaining to the convergence criteria and the grid size used, are
reasonably accepted within the scope of this project.
It is clearly observed from the axial velocity profiles that flow separation is
greatly controlled by inserting different inlet velocity distortions at the inlet. This
confirmed that the geometrical parameter plays an important role in the diffusion
process in the diffuser.
And it is confirmed that the cone angle and are ratio are the important parameter
in the boundary layer development rather than the diffuser length.
The location of the maximum turbulent fluctuations shifts away from the wall in
the case of any velocity distortions at the inlet.

27
 CHAPTER 8
8. REFERENCES

1 McDonald, A.T., Fox, R.W., An experimental investigation of incompressible

flow in conical diffusers, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 8(1966),
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